[Wired]

Before you know it, we’ll be building circuit boards with 3D printers.

In other words, 3D printers will help us manufacture PCs. Or even, other 3D printers.

“Printing actual circuit boards is very close,” says David ten Have, CEO of 3D printing outfit Ponoko. “Most of the assembly tools are completely automated anyway. I’m guessing 18 to 24 months.”

ten Have is discussing a 3D printing technique known as “additive printing.” Whereas a standard printer jets ink onto paper, a 3D printer builds three dimensional objects by layering materials — plastic, metals, rubbers — on top of each other. Each layer is about 1/3000th of an inch thick. Some 3D printing techniques have been around for over twenty years, but they’re finally getting to the point they can be used by the average company — not just the massive corporation.  …

Read the full article here: http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2011/11/3d-printing-autodesk/